'It's important to know that your words carry weight'

Express Tribune

05-03-2025

In an interview with Ahmad Ali Butt on Saturday, actor Zoya Nasir addressed father and scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb's controversial remarks. In December last year, Nasir faced backlash from the internet and showbiz peers for claiming that he first encountered former film actor Reema Khan in Lahore's redlight district, Heeramandi, while scouting for talent. The heat led to an apology, though the matter was raised again in Zoya's interview.
"It's a very difficult position to be in. If you look at our elders, they were given a platform that offered them containment back in the day. I don't think they realise that whatever they say now needs to be fact-checked, that it is on the internet forever," she said. "These days, the public has become very aware. They hang onto your words and observe your actions. So, you cannot just get away with saying anything."
Zoya's insights come from experience, as she shared that she used to post Instagram Stories without being mindful of her online audience. On why media personalities mention potentially controversial topics on podcasts, she believes that it is influenced by the relaxed environment one is in - where they are sitting in a room with one mic, one light, and facing one person.
"That makes you think you're in your drawing room, and you say things you'd typically say to a person one-on-one," she observed. "It's very important to heed your responsibilities and know that your words carry weight."
Looking back at the vitriol her father faced, the Noor Jahan actor added that one can only move forward from here. "That was something that shouldn't have happened, but it did. We can't undo it."
She further slipped in praise for the veteran actor, whom she has been around growing up. "Reema is a very gracious woman. I love her. I used to be with her all the time," she said, mentioning the filming for International Luteray as one instance. "I have always held her in high regard. She's been like family for us."
The Kaffara actor also mentioned that one side of the debate argued that the clip's editing was what blew things out of proportion. "No one was being accused, but the person who uploaded the specific clip made the jump-cut look like it was a big deal," she said.
"But again, I also believe that you shouldn't speak in a way that gives people the chance to even extract such clips. You must think about what you're trying to say. Do your due diligence, reflect on your impact in the industry, and speak with respect to that."